Handle application apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for attaching a handle to a container includes a handle supply mechanism configured to supply one or more handles in an open configuration; a container conveyance mechanism configured to provide a container to a handle application location; and a handle applicator configured to attach or connect a handle that supplied initially in an open configuration to a portion of a container. In an embodiment, a heater is included that is configured to provide energy/heat to at least a portion of the one or more handles prior to application. In other embodiments, handles are supplied for application at an elevated temperature. Methods for attaching a handle to containers are also disclosed.

1 . An apparatus for attaching a handle to a container, the apparatus comprising:
 a handle supply mechanism configured to supply one or more handles in an open configuration;   a heater configured to provide energy/heat to at least a portion of the one or more handles;   a container conveyance mechanism configured to provide a container to a handle application location; and   a handle applicator configured to attach or connect a handle that supplied initially in an open configuration to a portion of a container.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle supply mechanism includes a supply bar. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the supply bar include a surface material or coating. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the supply bar is provided at an angle relative to a ground or base level. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the angle may be mechanically controlled or adjusted. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the angle is mechanically controlled or adjusted to provide an angle of descent for said handles that is related to a timing or frequency associated with handle application. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle supply mechanism includes a handle release device. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the handle release device includes a device for separating or spacing individual handles. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the device for separating or spacing includes an index wheel. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the handle release device further includes one or more slides configured to support a portion of a handle during a transition between the index wheel and the handle applicator. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the handle release device includes one or more rods or pins that are configured to move or translate such that in a first position a handle is retained, and in a second position a handle is released for application. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the movement or position of the one or more rods or pins are operatively activated or controlled in response to a control parameter associated with the position or supply timing of a container. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heater is configured to apply energy to or heat a specific segment or portion of a handle. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heater provides electrical, infrared, or ultrasonic energy or heat. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heater is configured to apply energy to or heat a hinge portion of a handle. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heater is configured to sense a heat associated with the handle or its environment and adjust to maintain a portion of said handle within a select temperature range. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle applicator includes a pair of opposing members that are configured to exert a force or pressure to connect a portion of a handle being applied to a container. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opposing members comprise face plates. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein one or both of the face plates include one or more recesses configured to receive a portion of a handle. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the conveyance mechanism includes a conveyor. 
   
   
       21 . A method for applying a handle to a container comprising:
 providing a plastic handle in an open configuration in a queue;   selectively heating a portion of the plastic handle;   providing a container at an application location;   attaching or connecting the plastic handle to the container.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a pair of opposing members apply a force or pressure to connect portions of the handle. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the heater is configured to maintain the heat of a portion of the handle within a specified temperature range. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the heater is configured to adjust energy/heat based on control signals associated with temperature readings, line speed, or the status of other machines associated with the manufacture, handling, or filling of the containers. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a supply bar is used to provide the plastic handle in an open configuration in a queue, and an angle of descent associated with the supply bar is variably controlled. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the container is oriented at or before the application location. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the container with applied handled is transported directly to a filler. 
   
   
       28 . A method for applying a handle to a container comprising:
 providing a container at an application location; and   providing a plastic handle in an open configuration in a queue, the plastic handle having at least a segment or portion with an elevated temperature with respect to the container;   attaching or connecting the handle to the container.   
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the elevated temperature is above ambient temperature and below the melting point of the segment or portion.